Friday News, October 5

Worker Injured At Trench Construction Site

(Sioux Center) -- A Sioux City construction worker was injured when a trench he had been digging caved in on him. The accident occurred Thursday morning at a construction site near Sioux Center. 20 year old Nathaniel Christiansen was extricated by the Sioux Center Fire and Rescue and the Sioux County Sheriff's Department after a dirt trench collapsed on him. Christiansen is an employee of the L.A. Carlson Contracting Company of Merrill. Christiansen was first transported to the Sioux Center hospital, then airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. Mercy Medical Center has not released the medical condition of Christiansen.

Chatsworth Cornfield Fire

(Chatsworth) -- The Akron Fire Department assisted the Hawarden Fire Department with a cornfield fire that occurred Thursday afternoon at about 3:15 p.m. The fire was near the small community of Chatsworth. Apparently, a corn stalk got caught under a pick up truck that had been traveling across the field. The stalk was touching the engine, which ignited the fire. No word as to how many acres were destroyed in that cornfield fire, but fire officials were on the scene for nearly an hour.

Le Mars Fire Department Prepares For Prevention Week Breakfast

(Le Mars) -- Fire Prevention Week is next week and the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department will kick off the awareness with its annual pancake and sausage breakfast, scheduled for Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Fire Station #1. Le Mars Fire Chief David Schipper says the fire fighters will be cooking the breakfast, and the proceeds generated from the free-will offering will help purchase new equipment.Listen to

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Schipper says the breakfast will feature some raffle items for children, including your choice of either a red or green pedal tractor, and also a barbie doll. Schipper says the breakfast is also a time for people to view the equipment.Listen to

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Eilts Named School Employee of the Month

(Le Mars) -- The Le Mars Community School District has announced its October "Employee of the Month". This time around the honor is given to high school custodian Scott Eilts. Eilts, recently served as the grand marshall of the Le Mars Community Homecoming Parade. Our congratulations are extended to Scott Eilts for being named the "Employee of the Month" for the Le Mars Community Schools.

UI Hospitals To Open New Clinic

CORALVILLE, Iowa (AP) - The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will open a new $73 million clinic next week in Coralville that its leaders say should be more convenient and comfortable forpatients. The Iowa River Landing clinic is located near Interstate 80 in a commercial development that also features restaurants and a hotel. University, business and government leaders will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday and an open house on Saturday before doctors start seeing patients Monday. The clinic is expected to eventually accommodate up to 300,000 patient visits per year in areas ranging from pediatrics to urology. University leaders say its convenitn location, free parking, spacious waiting room, and state-of-the-art technology will benefit patients. University President Sally Mason says the clinic builds on the hospital's legacy of providing health care to Iowans.

Vice President Biden Speaks At Council Bluffs

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) - Vice President Joe Biden says Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney renounced his own tax cut during Wednesday's presidential debate. While campaigning in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Biden said a $5 trillion tax cut is the "centerpiece" of Romney's campaign for president. But Biden said that during the debate, "We found out he doesn't have a $5 trillion tax cut. I guess he outsourced that to China." Biden said President Barack Obama was "presidential" and putforward "a clear specific plan" during the debate. But he said Obama had a hard time figuring out Romney's positions on issues: "You never know what game Gov. Romney is going to come with." Biden said Romney "either changed his positions on some issues or he doesn't remember them."

Convicted Felons Charged With Election Fraud

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Two convicted felons have been charged with election fraud for registering to vote. The Department of Public Safety announced Thursday that 37-year-old Jason Rawlin, of Indianola, and 37-year-old Stacy Brown, of Kanawha, registered when they obtained driver's licensesor ID cards from the Department of Transportation. Rawlin was convicted in Wapello County on forgery charges. He told the agent he believed his right to vote was restored after his release from prison in 2001. Brown was convicted in 2009 after pleading guilty to possession of anhydrous ammonia. She told the agent she signed a paper when getting a driver's license without reading it thoroughly. Both have been charged with election fraud and fraudulent practices, then released. The cases stem from information submitted to investigators by Secretary of State Matt Schultz.

High School Coach Sentenced To Prison For Sex With Student

BLOOMFIELD, Iowa (AP) - A former high school coach in southeast Iowa has been given five years in prison for having sex with a student. 34-year-old Patrick "Ryan" Nicoletto, of Bloomfield, was convicted of sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee. Court records say he was found guilty after a jury trial in July and was sentenced on Wednesday. Nicoletto had been an assistant girls' basketball coach and an assistant baseball coach at Davis County High School in Bloomfield. Court records say Nicoletto and the student had sex during the school year and in the summer of 2008. The student was a junior at the school.

Oskaloosa Man Convicted of Killing Mother's Boyfriend

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (AP) - A 27-year-old Oskaloosa man has been convicted of killing his mother's boyfriend. A jury found Bradley Arterburn guilty of first-degree murder after a day of deliberation on Wednesday. He was convicted of killing 58-year-old Robert "Hank" Horovitz at the home Arterburn shared with his mother. Sentencing has not been scheduled. Prosecutors said in opening arguments that Arterburn said Horovitz reminded him of an abusive stepfather. Arterburn had asked to be found not guilty by reason of insanity. A battle ax and knife were used in the slaying. ---